December is a time to connect and reconnect with friends and family members; to get together with other important people in our lives, like neighbors and teachers; and to reach out to those less fortunate and donate our time, efforts and goods. It’s a time to share stories around a fireplace, warm up after ice skating with a mug of hot chocolate, listen to choral music, and sit in front of the TV with other old friends: the stars of public TV drama, like the nuns on Call the Midwife and the Crawley family of Downton Abbey, or the music of Celtic Woman and the St. Olaf Choir. Sharing food, drink and entertainment on the days when snow is falling outside – and we’re cozy inside.

This month we have a great line up to help get you in the holiday spirit! Happy holidays from all of us here at tpt.

Return to Downton Abbey

Sunday, December 1, 8pm tpt 2

Savor fond memories from the past three seasons of Downton Abbey and get a tantalizing taste of the upcoming fourth season. Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon — a devoted fan of the series — hosts the program, which includes a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with creators and cast members, and video clips of favorite moments.

Silent Night

Friday, December 13, 8pm tpt 2

This opera recounts the true story of the World War I Christmas Eve truce. Based on the Academy Award-nominated film Joyeux Noel, this two-act production was commissioned by the Minnesota Opera and premiered in November 2012 to national acclaim, including a Pulitzer Prize for Music for composer Kevin Puts.

St. Thomas Christmas: All Is Well

Friday, December 20, 8pm tpt 2

This Christmas season, the University of St. Thomas (UST) in St. Paul, Minnesota, is proud to share its musical artistry with audiences nationwide. Viewers will enjoy the festive concert showcasing UST’s internationally-renowned vocal and instrumental ensembles in performance.

Christmas in Norway with the St. Olaf Choir

Sunday, December 22, 7pm tpt 2

From TPT National Productions, this one-hour Christmas special was filmed in Trondheim, Norway’s magnificent Nidaros Dom cathedral. Featured performers include the renowned voices of the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, and Jentekor, the girl choir of Nidaros, conducted by Anita Brevik. The program showcases the rich choral music traditions of two countries, presenting traditional Christmas hymns and carols in both Norwegian and English.

Mr. Stink

Tuesday, December 24, 9pm tpt 2

Chloe (Nell Tiger Free) sees Mr. Stink (Hugh Bonneville) every day, but she’s never spoken to him, which isn’t surprising, because he’s a tramp — and he stinks. But before she knows it, Chloe has an unusual friend hiding in her garden shed when it seems Mr. Stink and his dog, Duchess, might be driven out of town. As it turns out, there is more to Mr. Stink than meets the eye.. or nose.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2013

Friday, December 29, 6:30pm tpt2

When an unexploded World War II bomb is found under a warehouse close to Nonnatus House, the nuns and dozens of local families become homeless. Dr. Turner is in a race against time to immunize children against polio, but when the illness strikes closer to home, he finds there’s nothing he can do but hope. Chummy persuades a royal visitor to open the new Community Centre. It’s a race against time as Chummy tries to get everything in place for the big day.